Celebration of Life Tribute
Mom entered into her heavenly journey to be with dad and Butch on February 24th, 2021. We’re sure dad greeted her with, “what took you so long?’ along with Butch asking her, “Where are we going today, mom?”
Mom had an action-packed, fun-filled 87 years. She started from humble beginnings, having been born at home. When she was 12 years old, her family moved to an isolated farm, with no indoor plumbing, while her mother continued to work and stay in town. It was mom’s responsibility to cook, clean, care for her brothers, and help her dad tend to the animals. Her dad loved her Strawberry Shortcake – that was his favorite!
Even though she was busy at home, she still had time to be Vice-President and then President of her graduating class all four years in high school. She was also Cheerleader Captain throughout high school years, making her younger brother a mascot of the team. She had to watch him after school so what better way than to make him a part of the team? He even had his own uniform! When she graduated, she was Salutatorian of her class, being awarded a trip to New York City with the other top students. In the first Winter Carnival celebrated in Rutland, Mass, she was voted Queen of that Carnival.
With her life being so busy, it seems hard to believe that she had time to notice a handsome young milk man who delivered the milk all the way out to her home. He was tall, dark, and handsome and was also very fascinating to talk to. Little did she know that his family owned one of the largest dairies in Central Mass. and famous for their ice cream ~ Pinecroft. One thing led to another, and in 1952, they had the wedding of the year in Rutland. After a 6 ½ weeks honeymoon, traveling to California by Route 66, they bought an old farmhouse in Rutland and lived there till 1970. By that time, they were parents of 3 children, Harold Jr (Butch), David, and me – the girl in the middle.
Mom loved records and she had quite the record collection. We would dance the Twist to The Beach Boys or the Tijuana Brass, dreaming of going to Hampton Beach in the summer. We also had a game of who could kick the highest – could you kick your foot higher than your head? Mom held her own. All those years of cheerleading really paid off! She also felt that I should put my time to good use when I was staying indoors during the winter months. So, she taught me how to sew when I was 10. I still sew – she taught me well! A great teacher!
During 1970, there were many changes as we moved to Arizona. Good-bye to the harsh, freezing winters and hello sunshine! Mom felt that we kids were old enough for her to work and develop some new hobbies. She started painting again and bought a motorcycle. Her and dad, along with Butch, would go out and explore, sometimes getting stuck out in the middle of nowhere, but with dad’s mechanic abilities, he was always able to get the car running.
Mom loved feeling the wind rushing by her when on her motorcycle. Her and Dave traveled all over the western United States, as far North as Wyoming and of course her little dog felt left out, so she made a little jacket and goggles for the dog to wear. They were quite a pair!
She loved being out in the desert, so my parents bought a fixer- upper home in New River. She loved living there, feeding the birds and bunnies, watching out for rattlesnakes and javelins. For a time, she even had a mountain lion living behind the bushes close to her garage.
Even though mom lived in Arizona for over 50 years, she never lost her Massachusetts accent, or the regional difference of what things were called. She would ask if I wanted a tonic instead of soda or was, I going to wear my thongs. I would say back – mom, they’re flip-flops!!
Mom’s eyes always twinkled when she smiled, and we could hear her laughing from across the room. So many people are going to miss mom, like my husband, Tom; David and his wife, Karen; her brothers Ernie and Bill (Lorna); her grandsons, Matt (Morgan), and Tim; her great-grandsons, Noah, Ryan, and Caden: and so many nephews and nieces.
Life was never dull with mom. She taught us that if there’s a will, there’s a way. We know that she and dad are probably dancing the polka again. So, mom – don’t forget that we all love you. Give dad and Butch a hug and a kiss from all of us.
To Those I Love
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
You musn’t tie yourself to me with tears.
Just be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess,
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it’s time I traveled alone.
So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on,
So if you need me, call, and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All of my love around you, soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile, and say
“Welcome Home.”
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